Cleaning your home is essential to maintain a healthy and pleasant environment, but it can also be expensive. Store-bought cleaning products can be pricey and contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment.
Fortunately, there are many simple and affordable ways to make your own cleaning products using common household ingredients. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of using homemade cleaning products and provide some easy DIY recipes.
Here’s a list of items you can use to replace expensive and potentially dangerous commercial chemical cleaning products. We’ll also discuss below how to use them:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Essential oils
- Castile soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Salt
Natural products to use for home cleaning
- Vinegar: White vinegar is a versatile and effective natural cleaner that can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces, remove stains, dissolve grease and grime, and deodorize. You can clean the inside of a kettle that has calcium by boiling water with a splash of vinegar and letting it soak for 20 minutes.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can be used to clean and scour surfaces. It is especially effective for removing tough stains and odors, and it can be used in combination with hydrogen peroxide to create a powerful cleaning solution to create a paste to scrub bathroom tiles and can be used to help clear slow-flowing drains.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant that can be used to remove stains, brighten surfaces, and cut through grease and grime. It also has a refreshing scent that can leave your home smelling fresh and clean.
- Essential oils: Essential oils, such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil, have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that make them effective as natural disinfectants. They can also be used to add fragrance to homemade cleaning products. You can add a few drops of an essential oil to a floor cleaner used with a mop or steamer to leave a nice scent.
- Castile soap: Castile soap is a gentle and effective natural cleaner that is made from vegetable oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or hemp oil. It can be used to clean surfaces, dishes, laundry, and even your body. Mix castile soap with water, vinegar, and essential oils for an all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean floors, counters, and other surfaces.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can be used to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can be used to disinfect surfaces, clean stains, and remove mold and mildew. You can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to make a paste to use to clean shower tiles.
- Salt: Salt is a natural abrasive that can be used to clean and scour surfaces, especially those that are greasy or oily. It can be used in combination with other natural cleaners, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to create a powerful cleaning solution. Salt is often added to homemade drain cleaners along with baking soda and vinegar.
These natural cleaning products are effective, safe, and affordable alternatives to store-bought cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals. By using these natural cleaners, you can keep your home clean and healthy while protecting the environment and most likely saving some money too.
Advantages of Homemade Cleaning Products
Using homemade cleaning products has many benefits:
Higher Safety: Firstly, homemade cleaners are much safer for your health and the environment, as they do not contain harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, or allergic reactions.
Lower Cost: Secondly, homemade cleaners are much cheaper than store-bought ones, as you can use simple ingredients that are already available in your kitchen pantry. And if you don’t have them at home, they are usually reasonably priced to purchase.
Less Waste: Finally, making your own cleaning products is a great way to reduce waste and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. Packaged chemical products usually come in plastic bottles that need to be recycled and multi-packs have plastic wrapping or cardboard on top of that.
Recipes for Homemade Cleaning Products
Now that you know the common household ingredients, let’s look at some easy DIY recipes for homemade cleaning products.
- All-Purpose Cleaner
To make an all-purpose cleaner, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to give it a pleasant scent. This cleaner is effective for cleaning surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and toilets. - Natural Scrub
To make a natural scrub, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the surface you want to clean, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a brush or sponge. This scrub is effective for cleaning tough stains and grime from surfaces such as sinks, bathtubs, and stovetops. - Glass Cleaner
To make a glass cleaner, mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice for extra cleaning power. This cleaner is effective for cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. - Homemade Drain Cleaner
Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow the baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or a towel and let the mixture fizz and bubble for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the cover and pour 1 gallon of boiling water down the drain to flush away the mixture and any remaining debris.
This mixture works by using the chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar to create a fizzy reaction that can help to loosen and break up debris and clogs in the drain. The boiling water helps to flush away the debris and any remaining mixture, leaving your drain clean and unclogged.
Tips for Making and Using Homemade Cleaning Products
Here are some safety and storage tips to make your homemade cleaning products more effective:
- Label your containers: Be sure to label your homemade cleaners with the ingredients and the date you made them. This will help you keep track of their shelf life and prevent confusion.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Homemade cleaning products should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. This will help them last longer and maintain their effectiveness.
- Test on a small area: Before using any homemade cleaner on a large area, test it on a small, inconspicuous spot to make sure it does not damage the surface.
- Don’t mix bleach and vinegar: While vinegar is a great natural cleaner, it should never be mixed with bleach, as it can create toxic fumes.
- Use the right tools: When using homemade cleaning products, it’s important to use the right tools to avoid damaging surfaces. For example, a soft sponge or cloth is ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces, while a stiff brush is better for tough stains.
Final thoughts
Making your own cleaning products is a simple and affordable way to keep your home clean and healthy. By using common household ingredients, you can make effective cleaners that are safe for your family and the environment.
Remember to label and store your homemade cleaners properly, test them on a small area first, and use the right tools for each surface. With a little effort and creativity, you can have a sparkling clean home without breaking the bank or compromising your health.